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Eight-man bullpen suits Blue Jays' needs

3/20/14: Esmil Rogers surrenders five hits, one walk and one run while striking out six in 4 2/3 innings against the Phillies

By Gregor Chisholm
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MLB.com |

DUNEDIN, Fla. -- The Blue Jays have decided to start the year with an eight-man bullpen.

Toronto will forego an extra man off the bench in favor of carrying an additional reliever. The Blue Jays had several pitchers who were out of options competing for jobs, and the organization was looking for a way to keep them in the fold.

"We've been talking about it for quite awhile," Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said. "We were hoping to go the other way, but we just feel like at this point in time, that's the way we need to go. There's some guys we don't want to lose. Plus, we're talking about the rotation, we have some guys that we have to keep an eye on, too, so we need a little depth on the Major League roster."

Catcher Josh Thole, infielder Maicer Izturis and outfielder Moises Sierra will be available off the bench. Recently acquired Matt Tuiasosopo has not made the team and likely will be placed on waivers in the near future, because he is out of Minor League options on his contract.

The Blue Jays can only hope for a repeat performance from the bullpen in 2014. Toronto's relievers were among the best in baseball last season after posting a 3.37 ERA in 552 2/3 innings.